2011 New Volkswagen Beetle review
2011 New Volkswagen Beetle
By Ian Lynas, 20th July 2011
It was fitting that Berlin was the international press launch venue for the latest Beetle - seventy three years ago the German capital had witnessed the birth of what is now a motoring icon.
To date, close to 22 million units have been sold around the world and what was originally designed to be cheap and reliable transport is now quite a sophisticated car. Volkswagen has also made a good job of retaining some of its original charm.
New VW Beetle
Two of the top designers in the motor industry, Walter de Silva and Klaus Bischoff worked together with their teams to ensure that the newcomer retained the essence of the Beetle.
The latest model comes to our market some 12 years after the launch of the current 'New Beetle' and the good news for many is that it takes many of its styling cues from the original car. It has a longer bonnet and the steeper windscreen has been moved back; it is longer, wider and sits lower to the ground. The Beetle is front-wheel drive, has three doors and space for four, with increased luggage capacity.
Providing the power for the newcomer is a portfolio of new engines, cleaner and more efficient than ever.
New Beetle
Earlier this year the latest Beetle made its world debut in China at the Shanghai Motor Show and according to Volkswagen the major markets will be China and the USA. It is already on sale in the US and Germany but the Northern Ireland market will not see the car until the first quarter of 2012.
On the road, I found the ride firm but not harsh. A new suspension arrangement has been employed; a very lightweight strut type set-up at the front is completed by semi-independent rear suspension. The two-litre TSI and 1.4-litre TSI 160PS cars both have four-link rear suspension and the XDS electronic diff-lock as featured on the Golf GTI.
2011 New Volkswagen Beetle
Four versions will be offered in our market: three petrol engines and one diesel. The range will be a 1.2 litre TSI 105PS with a seven speed DSG gearbox, followed by a 1.4 litre TSI 160PS, a two litre TSI 200PS and a 1.6 litre TDI with 105PS and BlueMotion technology. The latter is reported to return 65.7mpg and a CO2 figure of 114g/km. Trim levels will be 'Beetle', 'Design' and 'Sport'.
The flagship will cost in the region of £25,000 whilst the entry level model is expected to be less than £15,000.
New Beetle interior
All versions arriving in our market will feature a relatively high specification, complete with air conditioning, DAB radio, alloy wheels, a multi-function steering wheel, MDI, Bluetooth and colour co-ordinated dash and door panels on the 'Design' version. The 'Sport' will feature Piano Black dash panels, parking sensors and black wing mirrors.
The interior is tastefully executed with an air of quality and the instrumentation is very well styled and easy to read. On the safety front, there are twin front and side airbags - ABS and ESP are standard.
Volkswagen will be offering an array of options, including sat nav, KESSY keyless entry, a panoramic sunroof and bi-xenon headlights.
